We stopped here with our young boys during our cross-country road trip. Before visiting, I had expected there might be a factory tour or some opportunity to see how the candy was made, but that's not the case. This location is strictly a retail outlet. Even so, we still had a great time. The selection of candy was excellent, and it was fun browsing all of the different varieties and trying some of the treats they had available. As expected, the candy was delicious and lived up to the quality we've come to expect from the brand. If you're hoping for a behind-the-scenes factory experience, you may be disappointed. However, if you're simply looking to stock up on great candy and enjoy a fun stop during your travels, it's definitely worth a visit. read more

I still remember when this place was built, wondering if they'd stay in business...Well, that's no longer a concern. Albanese is the real deal. I live 2,000 miles away and love seeing their products distributed on the west coast. The factory itself is on another level. It can be very crowded, but it's understandable. Free samples, great retro candy, and the staff are kind and patient with kids. Everyone knows about the gummies. But the hidden gem are their chocolate truffles. This place has become a staple in the region and I absolutely love to see how they've grown over the years. read more

While traveling home I stopped here to pick up a bag of Oopsie Gummies (IYKYK). This is always a staple for adults and kids of any age range to explore the candy factory. There are several options to choose from and the sugar high is flowing throughout. They keep the store at a nice controlled temperature and it's well kept. There is always someone willing to help. On this occasion I couldn't find what I was looking for and a nice lady assisted me by making a phone call to the store front just right up the road. Fortunately that had exactly what I needed and I was on my way. For your candy sweet tooth, it's worth visiting. If you plan on visiting. Make sure you enter the correct address. There are two locations on the same street going in different directions. read more

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12 Flavor Gummy Bears: Albanese is a confectionery manufacturer, retailer, and distributor located in Hobart, Indiana. The company was founded in 1983 by Scott Albanese. Jumping forward to 1998, Albanese invented a new technology that allows for greater flavor release from gelatins. The system coats the candy trays with corn starch, but I could not find additional information beyond that. Their hallmark product is their 12 Flavor Gummy Bears and spoiler alert; they're the best gummy bears I've ever encountered. I was surprised by the plethora of flavors and colors that came in the pack. I'm not trying to write a novel, so I won't review each flavor, but I will list the colors and corelating flavors. They are Cherry (red), Pink Grapefruit (pink), Watermelon (light blue),Strawberry (light red), Orange (orange), Blue Raspberry (blue), Lime (light green), Grape (purple),Green Apple (green), Mango (light yellow),Pineapple (clear), and Lemon (yellow). Each bear has a nice amount of detail and contains a capital A on its belly. The only negative that I'll mention right away is that I only got 11 flavors as there were no mango in my pack. That said, what really sets these apart from other gummy bears though is the incredible texture. They're chewy, but not overly so. In fact, they're amazingly soft and tender. I can never go back to any other type of gummy bear after these, they're that good! The Gummi with the A on the tummy, is Doughboy approved Doughboy_Food_Reviews read more

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This place is magical. We had so much fun finding all the different candy types and having samples. Tons of people working, which meant service went fast. The place was decorated so adorable. Love this and would definitely go again. read more

Albanese Confectionery - Candy Stores Near Me - Merrillville, Indiana

If you like gummies, then the Albanese Confectionery Factory is a place that you'll want to visit. The store is huge and has a wide selection to choose from. From regular gummies to sour gummies to chocolate to mints to caramels to peanuts and peanut butter to a variety of confections, this store has something for everyone to like. When my husband and I visited it was decorated nicely for Easter. I highly recommend Albanese Confectionery Factory! read more

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Was headed home from Chicago and this is an easy stop off I65. If you like candy at all, I highly recommend going. It's maybe 5 minutes off the interstate. Once you walk into the store, you are immediately hit with the aroma and the blast of color. Albanese is known for its gummies, not the thc kind. Anyone I know that likes gummies says these are the best. They also make other candy, but gummies are the king. They have a handful of the sugar free variety, I liked them. They also make have factory defects at a huge discount, of course we bought some along with the other candy. As you enter or leave, don't forget to get a picture in front of the huge Albanese sign. read more

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Welcome to the land of Willie Wonka. We took a quick trip out to Merrillville Indiana to visit the Albanese store. This candy store has a wide selections for your sweet tooth. Different flavors of gummies, chocolate, candy bars, and other goodies. The prices are reasonable. The staff member Tonio was great. He was helpful and not stingy on the testings. You are allowed to taste test the candy. Even the many different pieces of chocolate. You can spend up to an hour exploring this place. It was worth the drive and money. You can create your own custom bag of gummies. A happy place for adults and children. I wish they allowed you to take a factory tour. That would be so cool and fun to experience. 10 out of 10 across the scoreboard. read more

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So this is a kid's ultimate DREAM - I know I would have loved to come here when I was younger. I made a stop here after visiting the Indiana Dunes before going back up to Chicago. Upon walking in, someone may or may not be up front to offer a sample of their gummies. They literally offer all kinds of candy options here that you can find on their website, plus LOTS of options in bulk, other popular candy brands, and unlimited samples -- you just have to ask!! They have plenty of people working behind the bulk section and I was literally able to try everything that I was curious about. Like the majority of other candy factories / brick & mortar stores I've visited, they do have "goof up's" in 5 or 10lb bags for $10. This is because the shape, color, or flavor of gummies in there are irregular. If I had people to share it with, I would have totally gotten one for fun! They don't offer factory tours here, unfortunately. I ended up leaving with some of their sour gummy bears, gummy popsicles, their low-sugar gummy bears, and a quarter lb of the strawberry banana O's. I came on a weekend, and weekends are probably the busiest time here. Parking was easy as they have a lot and plenty of spaces. read more

Albanese Confectionery - Candy Stores Near Me - Merrillville, Indiana

Took a detour and came here. Super fun and colorful inside. I they have more flavor to offer than what you can find at a grocery store. read more

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Great stop only 3 miles off the highway. Tons of options of candy, nuts, trail mix, and gifts. Every possible choice of gummy bears, all kinds of retro and chocolates galore. The gummy bears are really soft and fresh. Great system to get people through quickly. Process are elevated but really not bad. Highly recommend a quick stop read more

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Sweet Perfection at Albanese! Who doesn't love a trip to the candy store? After a fun day at the water park, my girlfriend and I stopped by Albanese in Indiana and it was the perfect sweet finale to our day! We loaded up on gummies and chocolates for the family (and, of course, a few treats for ourselves too). The real star? The Peanut Almond Butter Crunch squares--creamy, nutty, and super addicting. Every bite was pure bliss! If you're near Indiana and craving top-tier candy, Albanese is a must. Their treats are next-level delicious, and the vibes are just as sweet. We'll definitely be back! read more

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I happened to be in northwest Indiana, and thought, today I'll finally make it to Albanese. OMG, what took me so long?!?!? This place is Disneyland for candy. I'm not wild about gummy bears, but, wow, the selection of chocolates is mind-blowing. The nice gentleman at the counter (sorry, I didn't catch his name) even offered samples when I said I was having trouble making up my mind. Everyone I dealt with was very nice and very helpful. This was my first visit, and I was a little overwhelmed. Now I'm determined to make a stop at Albanese any time I have reason to be in Indiana. And maybe once in a while make a special trip. read more

If you love Albanese gummy bears or just candy in general, this is where they originated and where their factory is! Completely worth the 20min-ish back and forth detour from I-94. I came for their "goof-ups" which is decently large discounted packages of gummies that are perfectly fine in flavor and not expired, just not the shape they need to be. They also have their entire selection of gummy bears and plenty of other candy options. Definitely got busy around this time as 4th of July is coming up. I got the sweet and sour pack of goo-up gummy bear (ask the staff if you can't tell what the flavors are, they're super nice - i.e. I saw a yellow package that was all mango gummy bears). The inside is also every kids candy store dream - great for families and kids to visit and nice background for pictures. Also a Costco just down the road, so it was a good pit stop for gas as well. Parking lot available, it's kind of situation on the side of a very long road. read more

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What a magical stop. Great service. A huge candy counter with all the best. It smells so good. So many things you don't find in the store. This place is decorated for Easter and Spring! Beautiful to say the least. I am so glad I stopped! read more

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I was back at this location today, and bought myself candy. If you love candy or chocolate this is a place that you need to. Tonight I had a Chocolate Frog that I was among my purchase. Each one of them has a collectable card from Harry Potter world, and the one that I got is Bowman Wright. Once again I went over the amount of how money I had, 2 things taken off and enough money for the rest. Good thing I am not in Indiana or lice close enough to where who knows how much I could be at this store on a regular basis. read more

Albanese Confectionery - Candy Stores Near Me - Merrillville, Indiana

We took our 3 year old here to pick out a treat of her choice for meeting a milestone. She was so excited to see all of the different candy items. She really isn't a sweet eater - we don't really give her candy often. The staff were quick and friendly. It was cute and colorful inside with lots of places to take pictures outdoors. It was super busy but they made sure all of our needs were met. It looked like the factory was running but we did not get a chance to tour it. They have a lot of options of candy, chocolates, and other favorites. I felt the candy items were reasonably priced. This is only my second time visiting but I will be back. read more

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There's a reason why you can find Albanese's candy in multiple states across the country. They have the best gummies and they combine it with a huge variety of chocolates, nuts, snack mixes and candy from your childhood. The ability to sample as much candy as you like is a diabetic risk and charming touch all at the same time. If you're on I-65 to or from Chicago, this is a tourist attraction that you won't forget. read more

Albanese Confectionery - Candy Stores Near Me - Merrillville, Indiana

Albanese has a fantastic variety of candy. The employees have always been so patient as customers walk around the many counters trying to decide which delectible treats they are going to buy. As you walk to the back of the store you can see the candy being made through a glass window. The store is always decorated well for the holidays. very clean. The candy is very good! read more

I love gummy bears and Albanese has grown to be my favorite. Hairdo is to stiff and hard compared to the soft chewy Albanese gummies. The workers are eager to help and the interior is bright and charming. I would definitely recommend a stop when you drive by. read more

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Albanese is such a fun place to spend some time if you're traveling near I-65 and craving some sweets. You get your Wonka Factory vibes on a smaller scale. There's a wide variety of treats that you can't get from the pre-packaged candy section at the grocery store. It honestly think it would be difficulty for anyone to say they couldn't find ANYTHING they didn't enjoy here. The staff is incredibly patient with each customer and you can sample things to ensure that you enjoy everything before you buy. Personally, I'm a huge chocolate fan and I was blown away by the dark chocolate mint meltaways, dark chocolate espresso beans, and peanut butter milk chocolate pretzel balls. Of course, their famous gummies are always a plus and you can get some really fun flavors and in some great shapes. I personally always get the sharks! There is a big parking lot for a small-ish space. Be mindful that if you're arriving during a busy time, you'll likely have a wait. The wait is worth it, though! read more

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Who doesn't love Albanese?!?!! Walking into this store is like walking into Santa's secret candy shop. The atmosphere screams holiday cheer and the amount of candy seems endless. Felix was the associate that helped us and he was amazing. He was patient, fast and even asked if there were particular colors we would want of each candy. I candy that I chose was licorice lace, the famous twelve flavor gummies, sour gummies, sour pops and sour watermelon slices. Every single piece of candy in this place is amazing! If you are in Indiana, make it your business to go and see Felix! He is not only helpful, but patient for a first time visitor!! read more

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Went shopping at the Albanese candy outlet, looking for sugar-free candy. They had a wide variety of sugar-free candies, and I was assisted by a young man named Brandon, who knew exactly what I was looking for an assisted me from start to finish. I am very, very pleased with their election and with the young man named Brandon. read more

Albanese Confectionery - Candy Stores Near Me - Merrillville, Indiana

Wow! What a fun stop! Sometimes the best stops are unplanned and this was the case for us. We saw their billboard while driving and decided to stop. It was so fun! TONS of great finds and good sales. The treats we got were delicious! Staff was friendly and the space was layer out and decorated so nicely! Highly recommend! read more

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Love this candy shop! We stopped her on our way to visit my daughter and it hit the spot. Will be back.

Cool stop, fresh gummy bears but don't market yourself from the highway as being a good stop then close all 5 of your bathrooms on a busy Sunday afternoon. read more

The candy is a 5/5 hands down. We came because we're huge fans of gummies, but the service was lacking. Most of the employees seemed frustrated to hand out samples even when you were making a larger purchase. We would still go back for the candy, but it definitely took away for the experience of being at the factory store! read more

Their store is very bright cheery and fun. From chocolate to gummy's all you can imagine. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. They even have old fashioned candy. They just keep enlarging. So glad they are in our community! read more

Great place if you love sugar just off route 30. It's always busy and has so many candy selection from chocolate, gummies, to trail mix. The prices are not cheap though and there is no sampling of the candy which is a bummer. During the holidays such as Easter and Christmas this store gets super busy. read more

Albanese Confectionery - Candy Stores Near Me - Merrillville, Indiana

MY wife and I were driving and we made a short detour to Albanese Confectionery. This place is a childs dream and adults nightmare because they have everything. While technically they don't have samples you could ask for one or two and they will let you try it. They have a heavy pour so if you say a handful expect a very large handful. They also have prepacked bags. read more

A grown kid a candy store. One of my favorite stops on my road trips north. Although this is one of my favorite spots, I am glad I do not live close because they would have all money. A large assortment of candy. Every flavor of gummy bears. The staff was very helpful and nice. We even got to sample some of the candy. They have bulk candy. You can even buy some of the "misfit" (misshapen) candy in bulk for cheap. You are able to see the factory through windows. I spent way too much money, but I'm not able to patronize here often. So its ok! Lol! The naked turtles are one of my faces. read more

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Yes, this is technically an Albanese candy factory, but there are no factory tours. Too bad. I would have loved to get a behind-the-scenes view of how Albanese makes their candy! (In a non-Slugworth way.) However, there are little windows along the periphery of the back of the store where you can kind of see some of the action happening. You just can't get close to the windows to see anything good. So, no tours. But, lots of candy! There are lots of prepackaged candies and gift sets sitting pretty and tempting all around the store that are available to purchase, such as chocolate covered pretzels and peanuts, gummy bears (plain and chocolate-dipped) and even sugar-free candies packaged in cellophane with a bow. There's a section with lots of non-Albanese candy, too -- everything from Nerds to freeze-dried worms to Bazooka gum to Ring Pops. But the good stuff is behind the wide glass counters. The friendly people behind the counter will gladly give you samples of any of the candy. I chose a milk chocolate peanut butter cup. At the candy counter, you can buy candy by the piece or pound (or quarter pound or half pound), so you can customize your bag of candy to your liking. There are so many good things here: truffles, peanut butter pretzel balls, malt balls, mint meltaways, chocolate-covered toffee, gummy sharks, gummy bear cubs, gummy watermelon slices, gummy fruits of every color. I wanted everything! I left with double-dipped milk chocolate peanuts, and I was in heaven. No regrets with my choice. We visited on a weekday in the spring, and it wasn't too busy. We were able to make our way around the store easily, and there wasn't a line to get a sample or checkout. I imagine that Albanese gets pretty busy during the summer and the weekends, though. This is a must-visit spot in the South Shore area. read more

First time to this candy place, and they offer samples. Yes, samples! I am not a huge gummy person, but my partner is. I sampled a few chocolate nut products and also the green apple army since it was Memorial Day weekend. They sell things in bulk and also other candies. They also offered some discounted items by checkout. It was quite packed but there were plenty of employees to assist. Glad we went and left with 10 lbs of candies. Oops. read more

Albanese Confectionery - Candy Stores Near Me - Merrillville, Indiana

You must go! They have all the best chocolate (specifically the salted Carmel chocolates and toffee) and you can't forget the sour gummy bears. Nice and clean with friendly service. read more

Albanese Confectionery - Candy Stores Near Me - Merrillville, Indiana

Whenever I'm passing through Merrillville I try to stop here. Good prices on their bulk candy but the main bargains are the bags of Goof Ups. For $10 you can get a 5 lb bag of gummi candy which varies by day but often includes gummi bears. They look and taste perfectly fine to me. If you come during the week, you can watch the factory operations through windows at the back of the shop. read more

Albanese Confectionery - Candy Stores Near Me - Merrillville, Indiana

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My husband and I have been here multiple times on our way to MI. We LOVE this place! As soon as you step out of the car your stomach begins to growl once you smell the sweet air that emulates from the factory. Stepping inside the store is a feast for the eyes! Plan to spend a good deal of time looking around and tasting (free samples!!) before dropping your kid's college fund on pounds of treats-- prices are great, but self control is not!!! Definitely visit this place, more than once!!! read more

If you are in the area, bring your sweet tooth on in. We had been at the Dunes all day and stopped by Albanese for some treats. You can sample candies and buy in bulk. read more

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Such a fun stop! I may have walked out with a 5 lb bag of gummy bears. No regrets. They have a huge variety of treats and the candy is so good. I wish i could remember some of the names of the flavors! Minus one star because the staff didn't seem to know the flavors well and gave us a few wrong answers, but overall still an excellent experience! read more

This is The Best every type of Candy you would Dream of! From Nostalgic to Sugar Free! I take my Grandkids here when they come to town! Only thing missing is they took out the Chocolate Pole. It reminded you of Willie Wonka The weekend, this place is packed literally. Customer Service is Excellent read more

Anytime my family and I are headed to or from Chicago, we have to stop at Albanese. Their selection of candy is vast. They even have retro candy. We literally spend about an hour in there trying to make our final decisions. Great place for anyone the has children or a sweet tooth! read more

Albanese Confectionery - Candy Stores Near Me - Merrillville, Indiana